Analysts Give Sonic Automotive 'Hold' Rating

Automotive retailer faces mixed reviews from Wall Street research firms

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A blurred, abstract image of a luxury sedan in motion, with vibrant streaks of red, blue, and yellow conveying a sense of speed and modern technology.Sonic Automotive's stock performance reflects the volatility and uncertainty facing the automotive retail sector.Charlotte Today

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH), a major automotive retailer with a network of franchised new-car dealerships and used-vehicle lots across the United States, has received a consensus 'Hold' rating from ten equity research analysts covering the stock, according to a report from MarketBeat.com. The analysts' average 12-month price target for Sonic Automotive is $77.50 per share.

Why it matters

Sonic Automotive's stock performance and analyst ratings are closely watched as the company navigates industry challenges like inventory shortages, rising interest rates, and changing consumer preferences. The 'Hold' consensus suggests Wall Street sees limited upside in the near term, though some analysts remain bullish on the company's long-term prospects.

The details

The analyst ratings for Sonic Automotive break down as follows: two 'Sell' ratings, five 'Hold' ratings, and three 'Buy' ratings. Recent research notes have cited factors like reduced target prices, concerns over the company's used-car business, and questions about Sonic's ability to maintain profit margins in the current automotive market environment.

  • Sonic Automotive reported its latest quarterly earnings on February 18, 2026.
  • The company's stock has traded between $54.11 and $89.62 over the past 52 weeks.

The players

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

A publicly traded automotive retailer that operates a network of franchised new-car dealerships and used-vehicle lots across the United States, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

One of the equity research firms covering Sonic Automotive, which recently reduced its price target on the stock.

Zacks Research

Another research firm that has downgraded Sonic Automotive's rating to 'Strong Sell'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Sonic Automotive's mixed analyst ratings reflect the broader challenges facing the automotive retail industry, including inventory shortages, rising interest rates, and shifting consumer preferences. While some analysts see long-term potential, the 'Hold' consensus suggests limited near-term upside for the company's stock.